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[ Systems | Husbandry | Nutrition | Food Sources | Diseases | Emergency Care ]
Husbandry
Most birds have housing, feeding and breeding requirements particular to that species.
Exact requirements are species specific and covered more extensively in other publications.
In general most pet psittacines can be housed in an iron, steel or aluminum cage
but not in a galvanized one. Galvanized cages contain heavy metals such as zinc and
lead which can be toxic to parrots. The bird should be provided with enough space
to fully extend both wings plus six inches, perch without hitting the tail on the
cage wall or floor, and turn around on the perch without damaging any feathers. Some
birds will learn to stay on a perch but should never be allowed out of the cage while
unattended. Trimming the wings will help train the bird to stay on the perch or cage
and is recommended for all captive pet psittacines except breeding birds. Both wings
should be trimmed with only the primary flight feathers cut to the level of the upper
coverts. Do not trim secondary flights, primary coverts or secondary covert feathers.
If you are unsure which feathers to trim, keep the bird caged until qualified help
can be found.
Clean the cage, food bowls and perches daily. A general rule is: don't allow the
bird to drink any water you wouldn't drink. Housing a bird in a filthy environment
will predispose it to bacterial infections, fungal infections and poor quality plumage.
Although some parrots can potentially live 50 years most die within 10-15 years due
to mismanagement. Education and understanding of each species's needs is a must to
ensure longevity.
[ Systems | Husbandry | Nutrition | Food Sources | Diseases | Emergency Care ]
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